Images Depict Mature Plants
Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus'
Dwarf Mondo Grass is a versatile, low-maintenance ground cover known for its compact, evergreen foliage, perfect for filling shaded areas and creating lush, carpet-like textures. Its deer-resistant and drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for edging pathways, filling gaps between stepping stones, or adding year-round greenery to borders and rock gardens.
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Dwarf Mondo Grass for Sale Online
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana') is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover known for its dense, grass-like foliage and compact size, making it perfect for creating a lush, carpet-like effect in gardens. Its fine-textured, dark green leaves form neat, clumping mounds that add texture and contrast to borders, pathways, or under trees. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10, Dwarf Mondo Grass grows well in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas where other plants may struggle. With a mature size of only 2-4 inches tall, this plant is ideal for use as an edging or filler in small spaces.
Dwarf Mondo Grass is a versatile, low-maintenance ground cover that spreads slowly via underground rhizomes, gradually filling gaps to create a cohesive, weed-suppressing mat. It is highly adaptable to a range of soil types as long as the soil is well-drained and drought-tolerant once established, making it a perfect option for low-water landscapes. During the summer, Dwarf Mondo Grass produces small, pale lavender flowers that are followed by tiny blue-black berries, adding subtle seasonal interest to its evergreen beauty. This resilient plant works well in container gardens and rock gardens as a border along pathways or garden beds.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Dwarf Mondo Grass is both deer-resistant and tolerant of light foot traffic, making it a practical and attractive option for a variety of landscape uses. Its compact size, shade tolerance, and ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions make it a popular choice for ground cover in shaded garden areas or between stepping stones. Whether used as an accent in ornamental gardens or as a low-maintenance ground cover, Dwarf Mondo Grass provides year-round greenery and textural contrast, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 10+ Inches |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Part to full shade |
| Habit: | Groundcover, spreading |
| Flower Color: | None |
| Flowering Season: | None |
| Foliage: | Green |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers dry, average to sandy soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting |
How to Care for Dwarf Mondo Grass
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Dwarf Mondo Grass for years to come!
How Do I Plant Dwarf Mondo Grass?
To plant Dwarf Mondo Grass, start by selecting a location with partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Begin by digging small holes about 4-6 inches apart, depending on how quickly you want the plants to fill in. Place each plant in the hole at the same depth as it was in its nursery container, ensuring the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots, and water thoroughly after planting to help the plants establish. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weed growth, making it easier for Dwarf Mondo Grass to spread and fill the area. Dwarf Mondo Grass spreads slowly through underground rhizomes, so spacing plants 4-6 inches apart will allow them to gradually form a cohesive ground cover. Regular watering during the first few weeks after planting is essential to help the plants settle in, but once established, this grass becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Ideal for use as an edging plant, between stepping stones, or as a low-maintenance filler in shaded areas, Dwarf Mondo Grass offers year-round greenery with very little upkeep, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10.
How Do I Water Dwarf Mondo Grass?
To properly water Dwarf Mondo Grass, maintain consistent moisture during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during hot or dry periods, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This ground cover prefers well-drained soil, so avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Once established, Dwarf Mondo Grass becomes relatively drought-tolerant and only requires supplemental watering during extended dry spells or extremely hot conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for shaded areas of your landscape. If you're growing Dwarf Mondo Grass in containers or as a border in particularly sunny areas, check the soil more frequently, as it may dry out faster than in garden beds. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but ensure that excess water drains properly to prevent soggy conditions. By maintaining the right balance of moisture, Dwarf Mondo Grass will thrive, keeping its lush, green appearance year-round and serving as a reliable ground cover, edging, or filler for shady garden spaces.
How Do I Fertilize Dwarf Mondo Grass?
To fertilize Dwarf Mondo Grass, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant green foliage. A general-purpose 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer works well, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants, making sure not to let it touch the foliage, and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. Dwarf Mondo Grass doesn’t require heavy feeding, so one application in spring is typically sufficient for the growing season. For an organic approach, compost or well-rotted manure can be worked into the soil around Dwarf Mondo Grass in early spring to provide a steady, slow release of nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to overly lush growth and weaken the plant's resilience. If grown in containers, you may need to apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to ensure consistent growth. Proper fertilization helps keep Dwarf Mondo Grass healthy and enhances its ability to form a dense, attractive ground cover, perfect for filling shaded garden areas or creating low-maintenance borders.
How Do I Prune Dwarf Mondo Grass?
To prune Dwarf Mondo Grass, the best time to do so is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp garden shears or a pair of scissors to trim back any dead, damaged, or brown foliage to the base of the plant. If the entire clump of Dwarf Mondo Grass looks tired or overgrown, you can prune the entire plant back to about 2-3 inches above the ground. This encourages fresh, healthy growth for the upcoming season. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's neat, compact appearance, which is ideal for ground cover or edging along pathways and garden beds. Throughout the growing season, you can also remove any yellow or wilted leaves to keep Dwarf Mondo Grass looking tidy and vibrant. Since this grass spreads slowly, there’s generally no need for frequent pruning, but periodic trimming keeps it from becoming unruly and ensures it continues to serve as a low-maintenance, attractive ground cover. By properly pruning Dwarf Mondo Grass, you’ll help it maintain its lush, dense texture, making it a standout in shaded garden areas, between stepping stones, or as a border plant.
